Blacked up German fans face Fifa probe after World Cup clash with Ghana

Fifa launches probe as disgusted fan posts picture on Instagram claiming as many as 8 supporters had blacked-up faces

Germany fans in black make up at the Germany v Ghana game (Photo: Instagram / selma_slim)

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German football fans who went to their World Cup game against Ghana with blacked-up faces have been accused of racism.

A disgusted fan counted eight Germans in black make-up and posted on Instagram: "Worst, people are lining up to take pictures with them. Poor form, #Germany.#racism#racists#worldcup."

Now Fifa has promised an investigation, saying they will probe any evidence of discrimination or racism under its "zero tolerance rules."

Pictures circulating on social media show white fans with blacked up faces wearing dark sunglasses, standing arm in arm, wearing white T-shirts with "Ghana" crudely written on the front.

A Fifa spokeswoman said they would take any evidence or submissions to their disciplinary committee: “If they see any grounds they will open proceedings. Then it is up to the disciplinary commission to take the decision.”

During the 2-2 draw, a German fan with pro-Nazi messages written on his body invaded the pitch and was led away by the Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari.

The European anti-discrimination network Fare had previously submitted a complaint to Fifa over several neo-Nazi banners displayed at matches involving Russia and Croatia.

“If something like a banner is spotted, it will be removed,” the Fifa spokeswoman said. “If something is not spotted and someone has images of it, then if anyone submits evidence of those things then our disciplinary committee will consider it. We clearly have zero tolerance of any form of discrimination.”